When we came across these two male giraffes in the early morning near Shingwedzi in the Kruger National Park, they were already quite tired from sparring with one another. Shortly after this picture was taken one of them aimed a solid blow to the other animal but missed badly, hitting his own head against a tree trunk – all he got for his trouble was a massive bump on the forehead and a bloody nose!
DeWetsWild 
Just beautiful..Nature is the best provider of beauty….
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We agree ilargia64, and thank you for the positive comment!
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Perfect shot !!! love this one.
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Thank you very much!
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Almost looks like a two-headed beastie.
Interesting, I was unaware that giraffes sparred. They seem like such gentle beings (not that I have much experience with or knowledge of them). Thanks for sharing!
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Giraffes are placid animals most of the time, but they can use their long necks and legs to good effect in a fight – they can kill a lion with one kick! When sparring, two males will stand side by side and swipe at each other using their necks and heads as clubs and try to trip the opponent with a well-placed leg. It’s fascinating to watch!
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Wow! As much as I don’t like watching physical fights, I would like to see a giraffe match. I will have to look around online for some video. Thanks for the info!
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Beautiful silhouette. I do miss Africa as I grew up there and haven’t had the chance to go back. That’s one of my favorite parks (even though it’s difficult to narrow it down to a favorite). Thanks for sharing that amazing story too. Guess the giraffe really did learn the hard way – poor thing:-)
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Thanks for your ever supportive contributions to de Wets Wild, we really have a high regard of your opinion as your photography is so stunningly beautiful and unique!
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Now that’s a silhouette not many people see.
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Thank you Lynne! We certainly considered ourselves lucky to have been in the right place at the right time!
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beautiful! where is this park at?
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Thank you for dropping by! The Kruger National Park lies in the North-East corner of South Africa, bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
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I will definitely have to go there!
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That must have been a massive blow, the poor animal. A tree trunk is harder than the neck of another giraffe, right? Great photo.
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Thank you for your kind comment Marion! Yep, that poor giraffe certainly learned the hard way that trees don’t get hurt as easily as another giraffe!
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